Gecko Materials, the runner-up in the 2024 TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield, unveiled four groundbreaking innovations at this year’s event, advancing its mission to revolutionize industrial adhesives with its bio-inspired dry adhesive technology. Founder and CEO Dr. Capella Kerst introduced four new products designed to expand the commercial applications of geCKo’s ultra-strong, reusable adhesive: a semiconductor wafer handling tool, a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces such as solar panels and glass, a curved robotic end effector for irregular shapes, and an all-purpose gripper for robotic arms[1].
The company’s technology draws inspiration from the remarkab...
The company’s technology draws inspiration from the remarkable grip of gecko feet, offering a novel alternative to traditional adhesives like glue, tape, or suction. Unlike those, geCKo’s dry adhesive leaves no residue, attaches and detaches quickly without force or electrical charge, and can be reused up to 120,000 times. A one-inch tile of this material can hold up to 16 pounds, and the adhesive’s strength and versatility enable it to maintain grip durations ranging from seconds to years[1][2].
Since its impressive showing at last year’s Startup Battlefi...
Since its impressive showing at last year’s Startup Battlefield, Gecko Materials has tripled its team size and secured $8 million in new funding to accelerate growth and production. The dry adhesive has already proven its robustness and versatility by being used on six space missions in the past year, showcasing its ability to operate in extreme environments including vacuum conditions—making it suitable for aerospace, defense, and industrial automation applications[1][3].
Dr. Kerst emphasized the company’s progress in scaling produ...
Dr. Kerst emphasized the company’s progress in scaling production, having developed patented metal molds that reduce manufacturing time from 48 hours per unit to multiple units in under 15 minutes. Gecko Materials manufactures domestically in Los Gatos and Campbell, California, focusing on lean, sustainable processes. Early adopters of the technology include major automotive manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, Honda, General Motors, and Kia, as well as electronics giants such as Samsung and semiconductor firms[3].
The new product lineup is poised to disrupt multiple industr...
The new product lineup is poised to disrupt multiple industries by integrating seamlessly with existing robotic and manufacturing systems. The semiconductor wafer handling tool addresses delicate electronics manufacturing needs, while the robotic grippers cater to sectors requiring precision handling of smooth or irregular surfaces. This suite of innovations reflects the company’s vision to become the “next industrial Velcro,” combining strength, ease of use, and environmental resilience[1][4][5].
Gecko Materials is also making strides beyond industrial set...
Gecko Materials is also making strides beyond industrial settings. Its adhesive technology is utilized by dentists, medical professionals, and construction workers, signaling broad potential across diverse markets. As a Public Benefit Corporation, the company underscores its commitment to sustainability and social impact through ethical entrepreneurship[4].
Gecko Materials’ presence at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 marks a...
Gecko Materials’ presence at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 marks a pivotal step in bringing nature-inspired adhesive technology from academic research to widespread industrial use and beyond, with ongoing collaborations involving NASA and other high-profile partners solidifying its role at the frontier of innovation[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 8:20:38 PM
Gecko Materials’ unveiling of four new dry adhesive innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 drew strong positive reactions, with consumers and industry observers impressed by the material’s versatility and strength. Attendees praised the adhesive’s ability to hold up to 16 pounds per square inch and its reusability over 120,000 cycles without residue, prompting excitement about replacing traditional solutions like command strips, as one spectator noted, “I can’t wait to stop using command strips”[1][9]. Founder Capella Kerst’s live demonstration—holding a wine bottle by a thin adhesive strip on her pinky finger—was widely lauded for showcasing the material’s durability and quick detachability, further boosting public confidence in its potential applications across consume
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 8:30:37 PM
Gecko Materials has impressed industry experts by unveiling four innovative products built on its bio-inspired super-strong dry adhesive at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted the material’s exceptional strength—holding 16 pounds per one-inch tile—and remarkable durability, with over 120,000 use cycles without residue, earning praise for its potential to revolutionize robotic gripping and semiconductor manufacturing[1]. Analysts note the company’s $8 million fundraise and application in six recent space missions as strong validation of its scalability and resilience in diverse environments[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 8:40:38 PM
Gecko Materials unveiled four new innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: a semiconductor wafer handling tool, a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces, a curved robotic end effector for irregular shapes, and an all-purpose gripper for robotic arms. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted that their super-strong dry adhesive can hold 16 pounds per square inch, be reused over 120,000 times without residue, and has already been used on six space missions in the past year. The company has tripled its team since last year and completed an $8 million fundraising round, signaling rapid growth and strong market adoption[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 8:50:36 PM
Breaking News: At TechCrunch Disrupt, geCKo Materials, the 2024 Startup Battlefield runner-up, has unveiled four innovative products, further solidifying its position in the competitive landscape of bio-inspired adhesives. This expansion into semiconductor wafer handling and robotic grippers for smooth surfaces, such as solar panels and glass, marks a significant strategic move, as geCKo Materials continues to attract major clients like Ford and NASA[1]. Dr. Capella Kerst, CEO of geCKo Materials, highlighted the company's rapid growth, noting that it has tripled its team size and completed an $8 million fundraise since last year[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:00:36 PM
As **geCKo Materials** debuted its four new innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt this year, the audience was captivated by the potential of its bio-inspired dry adhesive. The company's showcase, which included a semiconductor wafer handling tool and a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces, garnered significant attention for its industrial applications. However, public reaction also hinted at the potential for consumer products, with some viewers expressing enthusiasm for replacing traditional adhesives like command strips, though the company remains focused on high-margin enterprise solutions for now[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:10:37 PM
**Breaking News Update**: At TechCrunch Disrupt, geCKo Materials unveiled four innovative products, including a semiconductor wafer handling tool and a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces, marking a significant leap in commercializing its bio-inspired dry adhesive technology. Industry experts hail these developments as game-changers in automation and robotics, with geCKo's CEO, Dr. Capella Kerst, noting that the company has tripled its team size since last year and completed an $8 million fundraise[1]. Notably, geCKo's adhesive was used in six space missions over the past year, further solidifying its credibility in diverse environments[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:20:40 PM
Gecko Materials, the 2024 TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield runner-up, debuted four new applications of its bio-inspired dry adhesive at the conference on October 29, 2025, including a semiconductor wafer handling tool, a robotic gripper for smooth surfaces (like solar panels or glass), a curved robotic end effector for irregular shapes, and an all-purpose gripper for robotic arms[1]. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst revealed the adhesive—a reusable, residue-free material requiring no electricity or suction—can hold 16 pounds per square inch and be reused over 120,000 times: “Has this year flown by as quickly for anybody else as it has for us? We’ve tripled our team and completed
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:31:01 PM
Gecko Materials unveiled four new innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, significantly expanding the global reach of its NASA-certified, ultra-strong dry adhesive technology. The company’s dry adhesive, which can hold up to 16 pounds per square inch and be reused more than 120,000 times, has already been deployed in six space missions and adopted by global giants including Ford, NASA, and Pacific Gas & Electric, reflecting strong international and cross-sector confidence[1]. CEO Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted the company’s growth with a tripled team and $8 million raised this year, signaling global demand for sustainable, residue-free adhesive solutions that can reduce energy use in manufacturing worldwide[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:41:03 PM
Gecko Materials' unveiling of four new products at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 has drawn significant international attention, notably from semiconductor giants Samsung, Intel, and TSMC, who are already upgrading their manufacturing lines with this bio-inspired dry adhesive technology. The company, having tripled its team and raised $8 million, reports that its adhesive was used on six space missions last year, highlighting its global applicability including in extreme environments like vacuum, which has impressed customers worldwide[1][3]. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst emphasized the material's revolutionary acceleration capability at 5.4G—more than double the industry standard—underscoring its potential to disrupt global manufacturing and robotics sectors[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 9:51:02 PM
Consumer and public reaction to geCKo Materials' four new innovations unveiled at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 has been notably enthusiastic, particularly for the dry adhesive’s versatility and strength. Attendees expressed excitement over replacing traditional adhesives and fasteners, with one TechCrunch audience member saying, "I can't wait to stop using command strips right now"[11]. The technology’s proven industrial success and adoption by major companies like Samsung and NASA have also bolstered confidence, with the company projecting nearly doubling revenue in 2025 based on current customers alone[11][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 10:01:04 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, geCKo Materials unveiled four innovative products based on their super-strong dry adhesive, sparking notable international response including contracts with global tech leaders such as Samsung, Intel, and NASA[1][3]. The company’s technology, which has been used on six space missions and is operational on the International Space Station, demonstrates significant global impact by enhancing manufacturing efficiency and sustainability without electrical power or residue[1][2]. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted their $8 million fundraising success and tripling team size within a year, underscoring strong investor confidence worldwide[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 10:11:06 PM
## Breaking: Gecko Materials Debuts Four New Tech Advancements at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Garnering Global Attention
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 on October 29, geCKo Materials—last year’s Startup Battlefield runner-up—unveiled four new products leveraging its bio-inspired dry adhesive, including a semiconductor wafer handler and specialized robotic grippers for advanced manufacturing and space applications[1][5]. “Our customers said we have a goal to move wafers at 2Gs of acceleration—we decided to blow them out of the water and do 5.4Gs repeatedly, reliably,” said CEO Dr. Capella Kerst, referencing adoption by Samsung, Intel, and TS
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 10:21:02 PM
Gecko Materials unveiled four new products at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, including a semiconductor wafer handling tool and various robotic grippers designed for smooth, curved, and irregular surfaces. Founder Dr. Capella Kerst highlighted their dry adhesive's strength, capable of holding 16 pounds per square inch and reusable up to 120,000 times without residue or electrical charge, noting it outperforms industry standards by achieving 5.4G acceleration in wafer handling versus the typical 2G[1][3]. The company has tripled its team size, completed an $8 million funding round, and its adhesive was used in six space missions last year, showcasing wide industrial and aerospace applicability[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 10:31:02 PM
In a significant competitive landscape shift, Gecko Materials has unveiled four new products at TechCrunch Disrupt, marking a major expansion in its offerings. This move comes after a successful fundraising round of $8 million, which has enabled the company to triple its team size and compete aggressively in industries like semiconductors and space technology, where it has worked with giants like Samsung and Intel[1][5]. Dr. Capella Kerst, CEO of Gecko Materials, highlighted the company's ability to achieve 5.4G acceleration in semiconductor wafer handling, significantly surpassing industry standards[5].
🔄 Updated: 10/29/2025, 10:41:04 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, consumer and public reactions to geCKo Materials’ unveiling of four new products were notably enthusiastic, with many captivated by the bio-inspired technology’s versatility and strength. One audience member highlighted the impressive demonstration where a full bottle of wine was gripped securely by the material on founder Dr. Capella Kerst’s pinky finger, underscoring its practical strength and residue-free detachment[4][6]. The tech community praised the innovation as a potential "industrial Velcro" replacement, with excitement fueled by concrete achievements such as the adhesive’s ability to hold 16 pounds per square inch and to endure over 120,000 attachment cycles, signaling strong commercial and manufacturing applications[1][9].